Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, has called for the unification of opposition political groups to save Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed his concerns while hosting the national executive committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria.
During the meeting, Atiku emphasized the collective responsibility of multiple individuals in safeguarding democracy in Nigeria. He warned against the growing trend of the country heading towards a one-party system, stating that such a scenario would be detrimental to the democratic process.
Addressing the leadership of IPAC, led by National President Yabagi Sani, Atiku urged opposition parties to unite and form a more robust front to protect Nigeria’s democracy from the risk of becoming a one-party state. He criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly steering Nigeria toward a one-party system and emphasized the necessity for opposition parties to counteract this trend.
Atiku also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of conducting the worst general election in the country. He pointed to instances of irregularities in recent off-season elections and called on opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly to sponsor legislation that prioritizes constitutional and electoral reforms. Atiku specifically stressed the urgency of addressing electronic voting, citing examples of less advanced countries already implementing it.
In response, Yabagi Sani, on behalf of IPAC members, acknowledged the shortcomings in the electoral process but affirmed the belief that democracy remains the best form of government.